joanne charles, lpc

“You either walk inside your story and own it, or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.” - Brené Brown

Hey, I’m Jo Charles and I have been practicing therapy for over 12 years now and I really love being a therapist! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I obtained a Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nyack College, in Nyack, NY. 

If you think you are interested in working with me here are a few things I think you should know… First, is that I believe that EVERYONE has a story filled with life experiences that shape them. Secondly, I help create the space for you to talk about and process all of the unspoken, hidden, and broken places of your life. It will be challenging at times but know you aren’t alone and your wellness is worth all of your effort.  Third, it is my intention to provide a judgement free space where you can be YOU and explore the journey ahead. I will utilize my specialty training, education, client work experiences, and the life lessons I’ve learned along the way to help support and guide you. I can’t promise to “fix” you or make “things better”, but I can assure you that I will be honest, empathetic, and attuned to your needs.  Lastly, I’m a native New Yorker but call Georgia home. I LOVE pizza! I am very creative and love any opportunity to express myself. I also know what it’s like to sit on someone’s couch sharing my life story and it is an experience I think EVERYONE should have. Oh, and I think my kids have finally convinced me to get a dog! I know, I know… I’m either later to the party or will totally regret it?! I’m open to any advice! 

My therapeutic approach is a mixture of what I think might be most helpful to you, my expertise, and also what will allow me to hold space for you. I typically utilize modalities such as expressive arts, play therapy, sand play, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness in my client work. One of my specialties include working with children (3yrs+) and teens who have lived through sexual trauma, child abuse, human trafficking, or a victim of a crime. Some of my work with children and teens also includes addressing emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, bullying, and self- identity issues. 

While I find my work with children to be pretty important to me, I also really enjoy working with adults. I treat adults who are processing life transitions, loss, and known to be “high achievers".  “High achievers” generally have an incredibly high capacity to take on tasks and perform well in school or the workplace… and yet feel like it is not enough.  They often experience pressure to outperform everyone including themselves. They are tired but won’t allow themselves to a take a break. Does this sound like you? Then maybe we might be a good fit to work together? I’d be more than willing to chat with you about where your healing journey begins.

So, if you are here and reading this, I believe that you aren’t lost but right where you are supposed to be! I have been a witness to many clients making major positive life changes, managing their symptoms, experiencing better quality of life, and healing that takes them beyond their best expectations. Know that you belong and you matter!

Contact me at joanne@carrickcounseling.com